Context
The UN on Tuesday acknowledged that the political process to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict faces a “profound and persistent deadlock” that has forced the Palestinians to explore the United Nations for options. Efforts to convince both parties to resume talks have also become very difficult, Robert Serry, UN’s Middle East envoy, informed the UN Security Council. “In the absence of a framework for meaningful talks, and with Israeli settlement activity continuing, the Palestinians are actively exploring approaching the UN,” he said, referring to a Palestinian bid for UN recognition in September.